Broome, tucked away in North-Western Australia, is just a quick two and a half-hour flight from Perth. This town brims with colour, culture and stunning scenery. Picture the fiery red ochre cliffs contrasting against the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Step back in time with dinosaur footprints that whisper tales from the distant past. The pearling industry, a cornerstone of the local economy, invites you to explore its fascinating history and the exquisite jewellery.

Framed by the stunning snowy peaks of the Apennine Mountains, Pescara is the gateway to the rugged mountainous area of the Abruzzo region. The land tumbles through hilltop villages and down to the blue waters of the Adriatic Ocean. In the town of Pescara itself, the long ten-mile stretches of wide, clean and sandy beaches, superb food and wine explain why it is a favourite holiday spot among many seeking to enjoy both beach-side relaxation and mountain adventures.

Charismatic seaside Catania is a young, dynamic soul, inhabiting a body of narrow alleys and ornate Baroque buildings set atop well-preserved remains of ancient Greek and Roman settlements. Mount Etna defines the cityscape both in terms of the striking panorama and the building material — Catania is even referred to as the "grey city" for the colour of lava rocks used to construct many of its buildings.

Yanbu has long been known as little more than an industrial centre with a busy port, but with some of the country's best diving spots and ever more luxury resorts in the area, it is quickly transforming into a coveted vacation destination. The desert beaches are beautiful, captivating, and solitary enough to make your visit a unique experience. There has never been a better time to visit, as the crowds have not yet caught on to this emerging city, and travellers can still have huge expanses of pristine beaches all to themselves.